Balaoan Living March 26, 2018

Hi friends! Another week come and gone. Time has no rules in the mission haha. We had some good conferences this week and got to see President Bangal. He is the greatest. Super funny, super spiritual, and super hardworking. I'm really glad I get to call him my mission president for my whole mission! Nothing too wild this week. It's been a little difficult right now with the work because of Holy Week. I hear it is pretty wild out here. I hear people whip themselves and in extreme cases literally crucify themselves (not to the point of death) but still... I am more than grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ but he went through all of that for us so we don't have to. It is just an interesting way to express your faith. Sorry for the sorta morbid description but that's what I may or may not have to face this week! Let us focus this week on Jesus Christ, of course let’s not forget his suffering and death, but let us remember this fact... He Lives!!!! Christ lives and now so can we. Let us show our gratitude to him through service and worship. We owe him everything. Also a benefit of the Easter season is the Cadbury eggs... I can't really participate in that this year so you guys are going to have pull my weight ;) Anyways, fun week paired with some stellar sunsets makes for a happy missionary! Love you all, take care and Happy Easter week!!! 

Love,

Elder Payne 

Another Week in Paradise March 19, 2018

Hi friends! Another week down in the Philippines and another wonderful week of amazing people and many many lessons to learn! Sorry it's been so long since i've sent a real email, we are super busy out here! We have had some cool experiences the past two weeks! First of all we visited these less actives a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't really planned on visiting them but decided we should try them. We got there and found sister. As we were talking we transitioned into a lesson on prayer. As we taught she broke down in tears. Her kids had been sick and she really wanted someone to give them a blessing. We learned that she had been praying for us to come so we could bless her baby and her as well. It was such a beautiful experience and truly by divine design that we were able to visit them. We talked with brother too and learned he had had a dream the night before we visited them about going to church. It was such a powerful experience. 

Maybe one more story... Yesterday we went with the branch president to visit some older sickly ladies in our branch to give them the sacrament. We learned one was in a local hospital so we went there to find her. As we walked in we found doors to patient's rooms either falling off or rotting off.  The lights were flickering in sketchy hall ways, but we were able to find the nanay and despite the conditions of the hospital we proceeded with the sacrament and were still able to feel the same spirit that the sacrament brings from the nicest chapel. The gospel of Jesus Christ has no limits, bounds, or restrictions when acting in Christ name fulfilling his commandments. This gospel is so beautiful and open for all. 

Love you all so much and challenge you to find the peace of the gospel in your lives no matter the place. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven." Be happy and loving this week! Take care! 

Elder Payne 

Sorry, Friends... Ran Out of Time Again March 12, 2018

Time is so fast while emailing! Sorry I can't get a real one out today but I'll put this as a priority next week! Remind me to tell the story of the C....'s. Super cool story... pero sususunod na lang! Oh we got our church attendance up by 30 people this week! Miracles are real and are happening every day, week, month, and year! Love you all! Stay safe this week and I'll make up for the short email next week, promise!

 Love, Elder Payne 

Ran Out of Time- March 4, 2018

Sorry Friends time goes too fast while emailing! Just know I love you guys! Take care this week, make someone smile each day, hug your mom, and watch some disney movies for me! 

Love, 

Elder Payne